Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

LNG is natural gas that’s been chilled to -160 degrees Celsius and turned into a liquid, which is safer and more efficient to transport oversees. B.C. is fortunate to have a large natural gas resource. Exporting LNG has the potential to earn tens of billions of dollars in tax revenue and create thousands of well-paying jobs for British Columbians.

The development of an LNG industry in B.C. has the potential to benefit all British Columbians and contribute to the Province’s economic growth. Economic benefits of an LNG industry in B.C. would include jobs and skills training for British Columbians as well as tax and royalty revenues for the Province. There are also benefits to First Nations including pipeline agreements, skills training, and an Environmental Stewardship Initiative.

British Columbia’s natural gas

Natural gas activities have been taking place in B.C. since the early 1950s. The northeast region of the province is where most natural gas resources can be found – in areas such as the Horn River Basin, the Montney Basin, the Liard Basin and the Cordova Embayment.

B.C. has a vast amount of natural gas resources. The total estimate currently exceeds 3,300 trillion cubic feet of resource in 2016.

Pipelines

Between the existing gathering pipelines, transmission pipelines and the pipelines that deliver natural gas to customers there are more than 40,000 kilometres of existing natural gas pipelines in B.C. In addition, there are a five proposed projects for new pipelines and pipeline expansions that would transport natural gas from Northeast B.C. to proposed LNG export facilities on the coast.

Before pipelines are built, they are subject to an environmental review and assessment. As part of this process, engagement sessions are conducted with communities and First Nations, living in or near the area where development is proposed.

Pipelines are safe, essential infrastructure for natural gas transportation. The BC Oil and Gas Commission is the provincial regulator with responsibilities for overseeing all natural gas operations in the province, pipeline transportation. They will also regulate many aspects of B.C.’s LNG export industry.

As a liquid, natural gas can be safely transported by ship. LNG is non-toxic, odourless, non-corrosive and less dense than water. If it spills, LNG will warm, rise and dissipate. No residue is left on water or the surface.

Liquefied Natural Gas

Once the natural gas has arrived at the coast, it is converted to liquid. This is done by chilling the gas to -160 degrees Celsius. As a liquid, natural gas condenses to approximately 1/600th of its normal volume, making it safe and economically efficient to transport overseas via marine vessels built specifically for LNG transport. LNG is not exported by pipeline – it leaves B.C.’s coast on special marine vessels. It is later reheated and converted back into a gaseous state so it can be used to generate power and heat homes.

Four Conditions for LNG Proposals

The Province requires that proposals

Include express guarantees of jobs and training opportunities for British Columbians

Provide a fair return for our resource

Respect and make partners of First Nations

Protect our air, land and water, including living up to our climate commitments